Study Abroad | Valencia

Housing

Homestay

The best way to immerse yourself in the language and culture of Spain. Many students choosing this option find that it is the most rewarding part of their time abroad.

• Double room
• Weekly laundry
• 3 meals per day with your host

Shared Apartment

Students can opt to live in a fully furnished apartment in Valencia. Apartments are shared with other AIFS students and may be co-ed. Apartments are centrally located and within easy reach of the university by public transportation.

• A limited number of single room may be available on request
• Shared kitchen, bathroom and living room
• Washing machine
• Cleaned every other week

Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in Valencia

City Facts

Culture

Valencia, the official birthplace of paella, combines beautiful beaches with both historic and modern architecture. The vibrant Mediterranean city is known for music, light and festivals.  

Climate

Valencia receives over 300 days of sun each year, great for exploring the beautiful coastline. 

Cuisine

In Spain, meals require an almost complete readjustment of eating habits, especially the times of the meals. For example, locals eat five times a day, and dinner isn’t typically served until around 9:30pm. Valencia is surrounded by farmland and is known for produce and rice. 

Site Staff

AIFS in Valencia Director, Academic Year and Semester Programs

Janan Batteh

Originally from Florida, I feel right at home in Spain’s Mediterranean Valencia, which has been my home for over 20 years. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and a minor in art from the College of Charleston, I decided my passion was to work in the field of cultural and international education. While in college, I studied abroad in France. From this point on, I had a strong desire to travel, learn about other cultures and the history of how they came to be. Before joining the AIFS team I worked with their partner company guiding high school groups and teachers through Spain.

I find offering students a unique opportunity for personal growth, education and an immersion into Valencia culture both exciting and rewarding. As your Program Director, I will ensure all aspects of your program run smoothly and that you experience this marvelous city from a different perspective, as a local Valenciano. Light, music, fire, orange blossoms, ancient ruins and rice fields are only a few words that describe the unique characteristics and sites of Valencia.  I look forward to giving you an authentic and meaningful experience as we go on your study abroad journey.  

The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.

Cultural Activities

In addition to day trips and excursions, a cultural calendar of weekly activities and social events is included in your program fee. These activities will include both typical tourist sites and attractions and lesser-known visits which take advantage of the expert knowledge of our local AIFS staff and give you a more authentic and insightful view of Spanish life. Typical activities, tours and visits may include:

• Guided city tour including the historic center
• Paella cooking class
• Las Fallas (Valencia’s most famous festival, spring only)
• Museo de Bellas Artes
• Cathedral
• City of Arts and Sciences
• Mercado Central food market
• La Lonja, the old silk exchange and UNESCO World Heritage Site
• The bullring
• San Nicolas Church
• Fallero Museum
• Bike Tour through Turia Riverbed Park

Students may pay a small additional fee for some of the activities listed.

Volunteer and Work Experience 

Introduces students to the study of social justice, attempting to link social theory, particularly the theories of Catholic social teaching, with social action and change. Students explore the diverse meanings and definitions of social justice while developing a critical understanding of key concepts and theories. Presented in relation to some of the most important social justice debates today, this course encourages students to apply their knowledge to a wide range of subject areas and social issues. As a key component of the course, students choose a relevant placement in a community service organization/NGO, complete a minimum of four hours of service per week, and engage in meaningful reflective practice with their peers. 

Intercambios

UCV organizes a Buddy Program program  which enable you to practice your Spanish with a native speaker while a Spanish speaker practices their English with you!